2004 Chevrolet Aveo Special Value review from North America

Nothing. It's nearly new.

Shocked! I bought this car as a commuter to avoid racking up miles and a gas bill on the big Dodge. The thing is surprisingly quiet on the freeway -If a little darty. It whirls around parking areas like a squirrel. Still amazed at how much room inside there is. This car will honestly fit four normal sized adults (but not their luggage). It's all interior room with a tiny portion hacked out for an engine, which is not the picture of refinement, but is spunky enough to get the job done. The manual trans is average. The ride is again, surprisingly refined and the overall styling, upmarket for the hatchback. The brakes are strong and really yank this little commuter down from speeds quick. Kinda shocking the first time I had to get on them hard. Was worried about getting rear-ended! Gas mileage is as advertised and that's good. Sure feels good to drive away from the gas station without the big Dodge frown. For the money I paid for this car (not much), I'm genuinely impressed.

Surprising feature 1: Dash is fun to look at.

Surprising feature 2: tilt steering

Surprising feature 3: power steering (a car this light and inexpensive could have easily cheaped out on that one)

Surprising feature 4: Fold down and flip forward rear seats, though the retaining strap is just plain funny (in a bad way)

Surprising feature 5: Cup holders and storage bins abound. Good stuff.

All smiles.